Liverpool legend McManaman backing Rodgers system change

Rodgers recently altered the formation to a 3-5-2 lineup, to utilise the club's strength in depth in the central of defence, and McManaman, who won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Reds in 1990s, feels the tactical tweaking will benefit others in the squad.

He told the Mirror: "Brendan has tinkered with the formation and it certainly suits the players he's got. To play that system you need players with bundles of energy as not only do your wing-backs need to get forward and provide attacking width but they also need to help out defensively.

"It's a demanding role but in Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson he has got natural wing-backs. The system suits Glen to a tee and [Philippe] Coutinho is ideal for that advanced central role in midfield.

"Going forward they're such a threat. They always look like they are going to score goals.

"Having Luis Suarez back in the team has given them another dimension. Attacking players like Suarez, [Daniel] Sturridge, Coutinho, Moses and [Raheem] Sterling can change games."

McManaman recently returned to the Reds in a youth coach role, 14 years after he departed Anfield for Real Madrid.